Residents of Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, are facing a drinking water crisis while demanding immediate solutions from local authorities.
The lack of drinking water in Los Cabos sparked a series of protests in the area, where residents struggle to access a basic resource that seems to be becoming increasingly scarce. In Cabo San Lucas, residents reported that it has been more than a month since water reached their homes.
Who is most affected by the lack of drinking water in Los Cabos?
This situation, which mainly affects the most vulnerable neighborhoods, was described as unsustainable, since while the tourist sector receives water without problems, citizens have to resort to expensive water truck services.
The frustration of the neighbors was expressed in blockades and demonstrations in various parts of the city. Last week, a group of residents blocked the main access to the tourist corridor, who demanded immediate solutions and denounced the lack of action by the local government.
With banners that shouted “We want water!” and “Water yes, pipes no!” the protesters made it clear that the situation is not just a complaint, but an urgent need.
How is the water shortage problem in Los Cabos being addressed?
In response to the protests, municipal authorities such as the general secretary of the Delegation and the manager of Oomsapas, Alejandro Herrera, promised to address the demands through an emergency pipe program. However, this system has not been enough to calm the indignation of citizens, who demand a long-term solution that guarantees constant access to drinking water.
The water problem in Los Cabos is not new, but it has worsened over time due to the excessive growth of the population, driven largely by tourism. The city’s desalination plant, responsible for supplying part of the water demand, is operating at less than 40% of its capacity, producing just 90 liters per second of the 250 liters required. This imbalance between supply and demand has been reflected in long waits and water shortages, especially in the most marginalized neighborhoods.
Despite the government’s efforts to implement water distribution programs by truck, residents say that these are insufficient. During the protests, some residents of the Portales neighborhood said that sometimes water only arrives a few hours a week, and the trucks do not cover the needs
Government promises solutions for water shortage in Los Cabos
In the face of growing social unrest, authorities have tried to establish dialogue tables with protesters. At a recent meeting in Mexico City, Mayor Christian Agundez Gómez and officials from the National Water Commission (Conagua) discussed strategies to address the region’s water crisis, including improving wastewater treatment and expanding the capacity of the desalination plant.
However, residents of Los Cabos say that although authorities promise to work on solutions, the lack of concrete results is causing emotional and social wear and tear in the community. The protests will continue until real and effective commitments are made to ensure a stable and fair supply of water for all residents, not just for tourists and large hotel developments.
The situation in Los Cabos remains a matter of social justice, where access to water has become a daily struggle for hundreds of families. While the local and federal governments try to find a solution, citizens have expressed their conviction that only through popular pressure will an effective response be achieved.
Source: noro
